Developer CC Drummond learned on March 1 that planning permission in principle has been granted for 48 new residential units.

The properties will range from one and two-bedroom cottage flats to four-bedroom detached houses, The West Lothian Courier reports.

In addition to the new homes, the development in Kirknewton will have new access roads, a pond, landscaping and centrally-located amenity space, featuring a football pitch. The site just north of Roosevelt Road will also have pedestrian and cycle access routes.

Although Scottish Water has confirmed that there is sufficient capacity in the local waste water treatment works to accommodate the development, a sustainable urban drainage systems pond will be incorporated into the design. This will benefit the management of surface water run-off and protect and enhance local biodiversity.

The development would be centrally located in Kirknewton, bound to the north by the Edinburgh to Glasgow Central railway line (via Shotts).